Denton man turns himself in on robbery charges

A 22-year-old man is accused of trying to rob a clerk to whom he was related at one Denton business and then robbing another minutes later Wednesday night.

BY DARRICK IGNASIAKThe Dispatch

A 22-year-old man is accused of trying to rob a clerk to whom he was related at one Denton business and then robbing another minutes later Wednesday night.Dwayne Paul Coleman Jr. of 225 Mallard Trail Drive, Unit 4, Denton, turned himself in Friday at the Denton Police Department on the charges of felony robbery with a dangerous weapon and felony attempted common law robbery, said Denton Police Chief Mark Hicks. Coleman was in the Davidson County Detention Center on Monday morning under a $500,000 secured bond.At 10:08 p.m. Wednesday, Coleman is alleged to have visited the Trading Post on First Street and telling the clerk outside to get off the phone and give him all of her money, Hicks said. The chief explained the clerk was one of Coleman's relatives, and she recognized him. The two had a conversation, and Coleman left on foot without taking anything. Hicks said Coleman's face was covered when he demanded the money.At 10:14 p.m., Coleman is accused of entering the Denton Fuel Center on West Salisbury Street wearing a white hat, sunglasses and a bandana over his face. Police say he demanded money from the clerk and then fled on foot. Hicks said approximately $3,500 in cash was stolen in the robbery. The chief said Monday that $1,647 has been recovered.Hicks said Coleman's relative didn't take him seriously and didn't call police. Further investigation a day after the robbery led officers to the Trading Post and identifying Coleman as the suspect. Hicks said Coleman was wearing the same clothing in each incident."I'm very pleased," Hicks said Monday as he referred to Coleman's arrest. "The subject was arrested within 48 hours of the robbery."Coleman is scheduled to appear Oct. 11 in Lexington District Court.Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 217, or at darrick.ignasiak@the-dispatch.com. Follow Darrick on Twitter: @DispatchDarrick.